Panama Canal

Our first cruise with Princess .. although our previous ones with P&O helped us to get something called an ‘elite’ cruise card status.. even though we didn’t at first realise what that meant. We weren’t used to being able to jump the queues, and often felt a bit guilty — but the free mini bar was a nice touch!

Our first experience cruising ‘American Style’, and we enjoyed it. We found the American passengers very friendly, if a little too ‘enthusiastic’ on occasion! Less than 100 Brits onboard, so we should have been something of a rarity – except that the Captain, Cruise Director and Captain’s Circle Hostess were all English as well!

Flights were fine (and on time!) and transfers were very well organised, with friendly Princess reps on hand.
US immigration were their usual ‘friendly’ selves of course!

Ship was nice. We had an excellent cabin, with a balcony for the first time. Well worth the extra we felt. Staff were attentive and friendly.

Food was super, and again friendly service. The buffet for breakfast and lunch was MUCH better organised than the ‘chimps tea party’ that P&O has these days. Again, friendly and helpful staff.

Entertainment was pretty good. Theatre (sorry ‘theater’) shows were excellent. Some of the musicians around the ship were a little bit ‘ordinary’ I felt. We have had better……but I’m being hypercritical.

The only criticism I have is with the gratuities. Although I NOW see that Princess sent me an email, I wasn’t initially aware that they would automatically be deducting $23 day for ‘gratuities’ from my registered credit card, without my authority. This is apparently the ‘default’ position, and you only have the option to ‘opt out’ if you specifically request it, once onboard. Sneaky!
I prefer to give tips to those who serve me well personally. If Princess want to give a little extra to other ‘backroom’ staff, then put it onto the brochure price, and pay them better. Don’t try and sneak it from my credit card…….
But maybe this is the American way….. I simply followed my previous habit, and gave tips to the cabin steward and dining room waiters at the end of the cruise.. as I have always done with P&O.
Still, times change I guess.
That was the only fly in the ointment. Usual US style ‘hard sell’ most of the time onboard of course, but that’s easy enough to ignore.,, again, that’s just the American way. I like them!……..

Port calls?.. we tend to steer clear of most organised trips, and do our own thing, but I did lash out for a quite expensive trip to let me see the other locks of the canal by boat (ours was only a partial transit) That was worth it really….the Panama Canal is really one of those ‘bucket list’ destinations, so I probably shan’t be that way again!

Still can’t believe how hot it is with the sun directly overhead… and how unusual it is, for us Brits, when it gets dark at 6pm on a really hot summer’s day!

We had a great time. Yes, I’d ‘go Princess’ again.. hopefully next time there won’t be any unexpected additions to my onboard account!….